Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care, in partnership with Zimbabwe Health Interventions (ZHI), has intensified efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) in Chipinge District through a four-day facility-based screening campaign aimed at detecting infections early and initiating prompt treatment.
The campaign, which was conducted at Chipinge District Hospital on Monday and Tuesday, before moving to St Peter’s Mission Hospital on Wednesday and Thursday, sought to identify TB cases before they progressed to severe illness, while reducing transmission within communities.
Health authorities encouraged all residents to undergo screening regardless of age, gender, HIV status, occupation or whether they were experiencing symptoms, stressing that tuberculosis can affect anyone.
In an interview, Chipinge District Health Promotions Officer, Ms Exgraxia Chidoko, said the initiative was designed to promote early diagnosis and treatment, which are critical in controlling the disease.
“We carried out a facility-based tuberculosis screening campaign to test people before they even showed symptoms. The goal was to identify cases early and immediately place those diagnosed on treatment. Early screening leads to early detection and treatment, which saves lives and reduces transmission within families and communities,” she said.
Ms Chidoko said the programme also sought to change public attitudes towards health-seeking behaviour, noting that many people only visit health facilities when they are seriously ill.
“TB can affect anyone, which is why we encouraged everyone to come forward for screening. The programme was open to all community members regardless of gender, HIV status, employment or any other factor,” she said.
Health experts say routine screening, including among individuals who do not exhibit symptoms, increases the chances of early clinical intervention, improves treatment outcomes and helps prevent the emergence of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis.
“TB is both preventable and treatable, and no one should die from the disease because effective treatment is available. The earlier a person seeks testing and treatment, the better the chances of a full recovery. Early intervention also helps reduce cases of drug-resistant TB,” said Ms Chidoko.
She urged residents to remain alert to common warning signs of tuberculosis and seek medical attention without delay.
“Symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting more than a week, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, chest pains and coughing up blood. People should not ignore these signs or assume they will disappear without medical treatment,” she said.
The campaign brought together a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and radiographers, who provided free screening, medical assessments and diagnostic services.
“We had doctors, nurses and radiographers supporting the exercise. All screening services were provided free of charge, and anyone diagnosed with TB was immediately enrolled for free treatment,” said Ms Chidoko.
Health officials said the exercise reinforced the importance of knowing one’s TB status, describing screening not merely as a response to illness but as a preventive health measure that protects individuals, families and communities.
Residents were encouraged to continue accessing TB screening services at local health facilities even after the campaign’s conclusion.
“Know your TB status. Get screened. Get tested. Get treated. Together, we can stop TB,” said Ms Chidoko.
The campaign comes as health authorities intensify efforts to increase community participation in tuberculosis prevention, testing and treatment programmes across the country.
Ms Chidoko called on residents to support public health initiatives by encouraging family members, friends and colleagues to seek screening and adhere to treatment where necessary.
“Let us work together to increase screening uptake, promote early detection and reduce TB transmission in our communities. Ending TB requires collective action from all of us,” she said.
